Midwestern University

Clinical Policies

College of Veterinary Medicine

The clinical phase of the curriculum will consist of five quarters that run continuously beginning with spring quarter of the third year. The first four quarters, 52 weeks, will contain 32 weeks of core rotations, 12 weeks of elective rotations, 4 weeks of externship rotations in clinical practice settings, and 4 weeks of vacation. The last quarter of the clinical curriculum will consist of 10 weeks of externship rotations. The externships taken during the last quarter may be in any approved area and are not limited to practice settings. These areas may include research, government, international work, ecosystem management, and industry, or any other field that is relevant to veterinary education and careers in the profession. Four (4) weeks of time (not for credit) may be scheduled during the clinical component of the curriculum as vacation, interview time, board study or test taking time. This time off cannot be scheduled during a required block or rotation.

Immunization PolicyFull-time students enrolled in a program with a clinical component are required to follow the immunization policy as outlined in the general policy section of the student handbook. Immunization requirements for CVM students may additionally be subject to current CDC/applicable state health department protocol and/or affiliated practice/institution rotation requirements.

Clinical Rotation Attendance PolicyStudents in the clinical rotation segment of the curriculum must attend all clinical rotations to which they are assigned. Departments may establish their own attendance requirements. Attendance and on-call requirements for clinical rotations take precedence over non-rotation events. Students must be sure that the requirements of each clinical rotation are understood and will be met prior to scheduling non-rotation events

Supervision of Veterinary Students by Off-Campus VeterinariansWhile on clinical rotations, veterinary students must have direct, on-premises supervision by a veterinarian (DVM or equivalent) who is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in the state in which care is being provided.